Use of Smaller-capacity Buses to Increase Frequency of Service

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport for bus lines with off-peak frequency that average 15 to 20 minutes and not filled to capacity, whether smaller-capacity buses can be considered for deployment to increase frequency.

Running smaller-capacity buses at higher frequencies during off-peak will increase operating costs borne by commuters and taxpayers. Let me explain why this idea is not feasible in practice.

First, the smaller buses will have to be procured in addition to existing larger buses, as the latter will still be required during peak periods when there are more commuters. Second, a small bus still requires a bus captain. To operate smaller buses at higher frequencies than the existing larger buses, more bus captains will need to be hired. And third, smaller buses have different operating and maintenance regimes compared to the existing bus fleet. This will increase operational complexity for the maintenance workshop and lead to higher maintenance costs.